Empties #1 | Products I've Used Up

Here it is, my first ever empties post and video. I've wanted to do one for a while, but I never really got around to saving up my products. I can't speak for others but I know that it's very easy for me to buy a ton of products, but a lot of them just lie around unused and unloved simply collecting dust till they inevitably expire.

Since I've been doing No Buy November and now Project Pan this will encourage me to use more of what I have, also when I've used up the product fully I can properly decide whether or not I'll repurchase it.

I will say: it has taken me about three to four months to accumulate this amount of products to show you all. Ever since being pregnant I have not been going anywhere but to the doctors or wearing makeup at all. I'm slowly getting back into doing my makeup on an every day basis though.

So without further or do...here are my empties! I will also mention if I would repurchase the product or not.

Below I've listed each product mentioned in the video. I will also try to organize these videos and posts a bit better as well.

Review | Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balms

When it comes to lipsticks, glosses and foundations, Revlon takes the top 3 in the drugstore. From their Super Lustrous lipsticks to their Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains -- Revlon lip products are outstanding in my book. Revlon has "recently" come out with 20 new lip products called Revlon ColorBurst Matte & Lacquer Balms. Ten are matte balms and ten are lacquer balms. I'm more a matte and cream lipstick kind of girl so I opted for the matte balms. These are a great alternative to the L'Oreal Le Matte and La Lacque balms which were limited edition -- sadly I missed those. If you are familiar with or like(d) the Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters, you will most likely -- hopefully -- fall in love with these.

This review is specifically on the Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balms.

I tried searching Revlon's website for information on the new Matte balms, but I could not find any information. However, I did find the following statement from various websites such as Ulta and Target, "Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm offers velvety color with balm-like moisture. Infused with a Triple Butter Complex of Shea, Mango and Coconut Butter. This retractable chubby crayon requires no sharpener." Reading that statement made me jump for joy! The Triple Butter Complex definitely ensures some good moisture for the lips. Keep in mind, in the statement, they do not say that these are a stain -- merely a "velvety color with balm-like moisture." Please keep that in mind before comparing them to the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains. Those are two different lines from Revlon.

Now these Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balms range anywhere from %6.49 to $9.99 USD depending on which drugstore you go to. Bed, Bath & Beyond, Walmart and Target -- possibly Kmart -- have said to be the cheapest places. I purchased mine for $9.99 USD BOGO (buy one get one half off) at my local CVS. As stated before, I am a matte and cream lipstick kind of girl. I didn't purchase the Lacquer Balms because they are said to have glitter in them and I don't like glitter or shimmer in my lipsticks...however, I do want to get my hands on Demure, Whimsical, Provocateur, Coy and Ingenue just to try them out anyway. I did purchase a total of five matte balms in the shades: Elusive, Unapologetic, Shameless, Showy and Sultry. I do want to purchase two more shades in Standout and Complex as well.

On to picture swatches!

Lip Swatches

Holiday Look #3 | Cat Eye & Vampy Lip

And we're off with Holiday Look #3 for my Holiday Makeup Series. This originally started out as being a basic cat eye and a vampy lip, but then I opted to add a bit of color to it. I figured why not add a gorgeous light rose gold shade to the lid just to give it an overall seamless flow.

This look is great for work, a date night, clubbing or family event. Of course if wearing this to work you can always ton down the lip color by dabbing on the purple or using a liner, but overall this look is great for just about anything. This is personally going to be my Holiday Look for Christmas and New Years because it's simple, quick and speaks volumes without being over the top.

I'm absolutely in love with this Revlon Matte Balm for so many reasons. It definitely compliments the makeup look and keeps the focus on the lips. Such a gorgeous color!

All the products I used for this look are listed below. I did use my Brow palette from Milani as eyeshadows for this look, so always remember...your makeup products can always double or triple up for various makeup looks.

Holiday Look #2: Gold Eye + Red Lip

Back this week for Holiday Look #2!

This week I wanted to do something classic that anyone can wear for any occasion. A gold eye and red lip! It's a look that is easy to duplicate and quick to throw together. A gold eye makes the face illuminate and gives your eyes a beautiful glow. A red lip is just a staple, especially during the Holidays, don't you think?!

I wanted this look to be easy for any makeup lover, whether beginner or experienced. It could take anywhere from 5-25 minutes to do this complete look depending on your time allotted for makeup application.



Just because I did a glossy red lip for this look does not mean your lip has to be glossy. If you want, do a matte red lip or just ski the gloss and go for a basic creamy red look. Either way a red lip is fierce and would complete the look. For those not too fond of red go ahead and try a pink or stick to a basic nude lip if need be. The choice is always yours!

Top 5 | Fall & Winter Fragrances

Winter in nearing us with only two weeks left of fall and I decided to share my top 5 fall and winter fragrances. These are

Fragrances listed in order:

Excell Brands Snazzy Woman

• Impression for Snooki by Nicole Polizzi
• Size: 3.4 fl oz
• Scent: fruity
• Top Notes: lychee, quince flower and kiwi
• Middle Notes: pink cupcake, white jasmine and beach flower
• Base Notes: seaside driftwood and sugared musk

Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose

Perfume Collection

Below I have listed all the fragrances (as shown) along with sizes, notes and pricing:

Avon Naturals Body Spray in Aqua Rush 

Size: 8.4 fl oz

Price: $9 USD

Scent: fresh

Notes: lime, water mint and marrine accord

Avon Rare Pearls 

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Price: $23 USD

Scent: floral & feminine

Notes: magnolia and plum

Avon Secrets To Keep 

Eau de Toilette

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Price: $16.50 USD

Scent: fruity & floral

Notes: apples, strawberries, jasmine, white musk & warm sandalwood

Lancome Tresor In Love

Size: 2.5 fl oz

Price: $75 USD

Scent: fruity & floral

Top Notes: nectarine accord, pear, bergamot

Middle Notes: turkish rose essence, jasmine

Base Notes: cedarwood, musk

Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose

Holiday Look #1: Gunmetal Smoky Eye + 4 Lip Combinations

The holidays have arrived!

As the year comes to an end, we slowly approach Christmas and New Years Eve. The two holidays when people dress up, go out, party and even drink up (if their over 18 of course). Since we are but a few days from each, I figured why not create a few holiday makeup tutorials that would be great to wear for any occasion or event.

This first look is a Gunmetal smoky eye. It's not too dark or too light of a gunmetal eye, so it will soften any outfit you wear. It may even make your face glow depending on which lip color, blush and foundation you use. Being that Urban Decay has come out with the Naked 3 Palette (still debating on if I want to get it) I decided to get some use of out of my Naked Palette and play around with a few shades. I love the combination and how the colors truly work together to create such a playful, yet sexy eye look.

This look is for those that want to go smoky without having to go dark or vampy on the eyes. It's all about keeping the eyes sexy without going overboard while still giving it an elegant twist no matter what your outfit of choice is.

I did original create this look weeks ago, but wanted to record it and come up with 4 total lip combinations or looks. Here is the original look:

Now that you have seen the original look, check below to see the other 3 lip combinations that would go great with this look.

November '13 Monthly Favorites

It's that time when everyone starts to share their November favorites. Yes, yes -- it's the first of December and November has gone. This is the last month of 2013...can you believe it?! I'm extremely excited!

I have not been too active with sharing my monthly favorites because I was solely sticking to makeup products. I decided to include hair, body and skincare products into my favorites just to keep consistent in doing my monthly posts.

This month I have a good variety of products to show you all ranging from body care, skincare and makeup.

These are my November favorites -

FOTD | Go-To Fall Eyes #2

Hi my loves!

Hope you are all having an awesome week! Today I wanted to share a quick glimpse at another upcoming installment to my fall eye series. Another natural every day eye, but instead of being matte, I added a bit of shimmer to the lids. The cheeks and lips are soft and compliment this look very well.

I love how the lips glow with this look! I think I'm in love with this lip combination for sure. Great combo and looks absoultely stunning. For two lip products I hate, they look great together on my lips.

I do plan to do a tutorial on this look sometime soon because I absolutely love this look for an everyday eye look since it sparkles without being to glittery and messy.

Tutorial | Subtle Emerald Smokes

The end of 2013 is nearing and I decided to get as much use of this fall's color of the year which Emerald according to Pantone. I'm much more excited about Spring 2014's color of the year, but we'll save that for the month of March shall we!

Emerald is such a pretty color that sometimes goes unnoticed in the beauty world. I wanted to play it up a bit and see if I could personally pull off the eyeshadow on the lid and not just the lower lashline or waterline. This Emerald definitely gives a seductive look to the makeup and I even got tons of compliments when wearing it. That should tell me something . . . shouldn't it?!

This look is surrounded by one of my favorite bold eyeshadows from Lancome called The Fab Life. It's a gorgeous, rich, bold emerald-teal green that just pops out and looks flawless. I wanted to do a subtle smoky eye with Emerald and I think I pulled it off.

Want to get this look? Check out the products below.

Lippie Round-Up | October with Swatches

Happy Friday my loves!!!!

Hope all is well for everyone! Today I'll be busy at the doctors office for another sonogram to check up on the little one and reconfirm the gender once more. Quite excited about that so I can seriously start shopping and have my baby shower already -- lol. Since today is such a laid back day, I wanted to share a swatch post and video on the lipsticks and glosses I have purchased throughout October. I figured the beginning of every month I can do a round-up with swatches of all the new lipsticks and lip glosses I've purchased for that month as a fun way to show the colors and just keep my blog afloat!

B E W A R E

There are a ton of lip swatches so you can watch the video if you don't want to view all 15+ pictures and read mini "reviews"

These are all drugstore lipsticks as I am a drugstore lipstick lover. I have an obsession with lipsticks -- mainly drugstore ones from Revlon and Maybelline -- because they are not only affordable, but pigmented and apply so smoothly. I've also been loving lip gloss lately as well! Doing post like this once a month will help you to see the true color on my skin complexion and compare it to yours. These will be taken in natural light so you can see how true to color each lipstick is.

Lipstick Swatches -

Maybelline Color Sensational in Blissful Berry #410

Blissful Berry is a gorgeous deep berry with purple undertones. Creamy formulation and applies smoothly on the lips. It is very hydrating and last a long time on the lips. It can come off a bit pinkish depending on the lighting and your complexion, but it's a stunning fall color.

L'Oreal Colour Caresse in Pink Vinyl #183
Pink Vinyl looks like an opaque bright hot pink in the tube, but on the lips it gives such a sheer wash of color. It is a cool-toned blue based pink. You may have to apply more than 3 coats for it to be as opqaue as the color in tube, but it's a great pink to pop on top of a nude lipstick that is too light for you to wear.

L'Oreal Colour Riche in Wisteria Rose #251

Top 5 | Favorite Mascaras

Hello my loves!

Today I wanted to share my top 5 mascaras with you all. I'm a huge mascara person verses a lash kind of girl. Lashes are fun for those simply days of wearing bright lipstick or special occasions, but mascara is one of my key weapons. Mascara helps to open your eyes for any look. You can go from flirty to sultry to bedroom eyes in seconds with a good mascara.

I have a ton of mascaras that I love to use, but lately, these are the ones that have been gravitating towards since the beginning of summer. I have purchased these over and over again. I have a combination of drugstore and high end mascaras to appeal to all types of beauty buyers. Each mascara does different things for my lashes which goes great with however I want my lashes to look.

#1 - Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara (waterproof) -

Now, mega volume goes mega plush. Our first gel-mousse mascara with 40% less hard waxes for massive volume with a supple touch. Extra-soft, patented Flexor Brush caresses lashes. Lashes never brittle or flaky. Retails for about $7.99 USD.

First lash shot: No Mascara.
Second lash shot: With 3 Coats of Mascara.

I love how this mascara helps to define my lashes and separates them. It doesn't give me length or volume, but it defines them and makes them black. The gel formula was weird at first because I'm not use to that kind of consistency, but as I used it I began to realize that it coats my lashes well and even though it's waterproof my lashes still feel soft and smooth. This is definitely my favorite basic every day mascara.

#2 - Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara -

Storage | Lipstick, Lip Gloss & Lip Liners

Hello my loves!

This post is about storage and organization -- specifically for lipsticks, lip glosses and lip liners. For a long time I was storing my lipsticks in small containers, my glosses in a makeup bag and my liners in a pencil case. Since getting my new makeup cabinet, I've organized and reorganized my lipstick cabinet several times. I am now happy with how I have it set up thus far. I do plan to get a few acrylic holders and drawers to put inside once I move back to NJ, but in the meantime I love how I have everything set up.

Lippie cabinet inside my pink and white makeup "armoire"

If you would like to just see the video watch it below, if you want to read on about how I store my products and where I purchased everything from skip ahead...

As you can see from the video or picture above, I have a ton of lip products! I am a sworn lip junkie, lipstick addict, lippie hoarder -- whatever you want to call it that's me! It has taken me months to find a way or system in which I could see all of my products, categorize each item and visually see them at the same time. It is not the best set up, but for the time being it works out well for me!

Style File | Mustard, Lace & Burgundy

Afternoon my loves!

Here is my first fashion post of many more to possibly come while I'm pregnant. I've been asked to share some tips and looks since I am pregnant...six months pregnant to be exact. A lot of females feel like they can't be fashionable or dress up because of a baby bump. That's a lie! I will say, at first I felt that way because nothing...I mean ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in my wardrobe really fit me. Either they were too tight, too small or too big. I mean I literally had to take a full day and physically try on my clothing to see what I could wear these last 3 months and I wanted to cry. I don't look big by any means and I've only gained 13.5lbs so far, but seeing my clothes not fit me was terrible...mostly because this was an unplanned pregnancy (but my fiance and I are happy)

Nonetheless, my fiance has been taking me shopping and I've had some pieces that were originally to big for me before I was even pregnant so now I can rock them. With the Holidays coming up and my baby shower, I plan to dress to impress and to still feel like myself!

When I first found out I was pregnant, I knew that I would have a winter baby, so I already stated to myself that leggings would be my key bottom piece in my wardrobe. Sort of my maternity staple because it grows with my belly, it's comfortable and I don't have to worry much about out growing them as I get bigger.

The outfit I put together at first didn't look right to me, but once I put it on and looked in the mirror I was completely happy with the outcome:

6 months pregnancy and fashionable!

I've been dying to wear this top for a long time and I always wanted to pair mustard and burgundy together for fall because they look amazing together.

Here's a video I put together on YouTube showing the full outfit with my two footwear options and in depth details about where I got each piece from...

I will say, I've had that mustard top for over a 1 year or two and never wore it because I was so small, but with a growing belly it fits like a glove and definitely accentuates my growing bump and expanding curves.

Tutorial | Go-To Fall Eyes #1

Happy 1st of November my loves!

Hope you all had a fabulous October and Halloween. I just stayed in, ate ice cream and played tag with my little one! As you can see, I am still on a roll with these blog posts. Got a mission to complete before January!!!

Today's post is on a fall eye look that I will be going to most of fall. This is only one out of three fall eye looks I'll be using for every day wear when I'm not sure of what to wear makeup wise. Everything you see will be the same except for the liner on my waterline, lipstick color and blush of course. I wanted to do an eye look that would pop, but still be dark, yet subtle. Somethng that wouldn't take away from my outfits, hairstyle or lip color of choice.

For this look, I decided to play around in my Inglot shadows. I've had this palette since July and really haven't given it much love, so for the next couple months I'll be on an Inglot high! I love the quality of their shadows AND not to mention the price point!

Instagram pic!

Check out the tutorial to get a step-by-step look:

If you like this look, but find that the lip color is too dark for your liking, you could always wear a red, pink, purple or nude. If you're daring, try this out with a black or blue lipstick. I'm sure it would look stunning!

For a list of the products I used to create this look, read below and see if you have any of these items or something similar.

Haul | Rite Aid Makeup Buys

Hello my loves!

What a beautiful day we are having for the start of November! I can't believe there is only 1 month left in 2013 -- OMG! That means...Thanksgiving is around the corner, Christmas is coming up and my baby boy will be here in a matter 2 and a half months!!!! So exciting, but nerve wrecking. For this first post of November, I will be sharing with you all some things I purchased from Rite Aid about a week ago.

I initially went to rite aid for some pregnancy snacks that will suit my teeth issues (need a root canal and extraction after my little one is born), but of course I can never pass up the opportunity to browse in the makeup and skincare aisle. That would be a disgrace! LOL. Luckily I did and boy were they having a massive sale on cosmetics. BOGO, 30-50% off certain cosmetic lines...I was in heaven.

If you want to see the haul video and not read through all my writing check it out below, if so watch the video and read more info:

Of course the first thing I get drawn to are lippies. I can admit I am a huge lip junkie -- be it lipstick, lip gloss or lip stain. Now I'm getting addicted to lip liners...such a sad day for my pockets. However, I came out running with some amazing products that I want to share with you all!!!

Nail Polish

Due to majority of my nail polish being in storage and not knowing if we (my family and I) lost the storage or not I wanted to start rebuilding my collection just in case we did lose it (tear*).

This is a beautiful creme color. It caught my eye the moment I walked into rite aid. It's a Brucci Nail Hardener Polish in Victoria's Blue Eyes and it retails for $3.49 USD.

CoverGirl Lipstick Collection & Swatches

Hello my lovelies!

I have over 150 lipsticks in my collection which is insane, but as I said in my first collection I wanted to still share them all with you, so I'm breaking each down by brand. I've already done my Revlon (in two parts), Maybelline, High End and L'Oreal lipsticks which the links can be found towards the end of this post.

This is the fifth installment to my lipstick collection and it includes all of my CoverGirl lipsticks from their Queen collection and regular line.

During the entire video I used my Maybelline Baby Lips in Peppermint to keep my lips moisturized between lipsticks.

Names of each lipstick shown in the video:

FOTD | Purple Horizon

Hello my loves,

I wanted to post another look for you guys that could be worn on an every day basis if you wanted something with a bit more color. This was a sort of an on the whim look that I did to record videos for my beauty channel.

I love how the look came together. The violet lips with a pop of purple in the crease and on the cheeks. No highlight was used in this look as I wanted this to be a matte look. If you wanted more of dewy look, you could highlight your face as desired.

I do still plan to do a tutorial on this look someday this month. This would be perfect for those wanting to get into more colors on the eyes as the crease only has that pop of color.

Products used are listed below:

L'Oreal Lipstick Collection & Swatches

Hello my lovelies!

I have a total of 153 lipsticks in my collection which is insane, but as I said in my first collection I wanted to still share them all with you, so I'm breaking each down by brand. I've already done my Revlon, Maybelline and High End lipsticks which the links can be found towards the end of this post.

This is the fourth edition to my lipstick collection and it includes all of my L'Oreal lipsticks from their various collections such as Infalliable, Colour Riche and Caresse.



During the entire video I used my Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream Kiss to keep my lips moisturized between lipsticks.

Any lipstick with ** next to it means that it was purchased after recording this video, but a lip swatch is is shown below.

Names of each lipstick as shown in the video:

Fall 2013 Lipstick Picks

Hey ladies...and gents!

It's that time of year again that some of us love and others hate. You got it...FALL. The season where it starts to drop below 60 degrees. Can you say flannels and cappuccinos please! I'm the type that does not really stick to trends when it comes to makeup because I like to do whatever I feel like doing. However, there are some of you who do like following trends and/or incorporating them into your beauty regimens or makeup. For those that do or those into vampy lips this post is for you!

Fall brings us colors such as deep berries, violets, burgundys and brick red shades. Any shade that has a red or purple undertone is going to be great for fall. I know a lot of people talk about high end lipsticks for fall, but I prefer to purchase bright high end lipsticks. This is all about drugstore lipsticks because they are affordable, allow you to try them and play around without breaking the bank and they are also easy to get to (local drugstore).

My lipstick picks for this fall range from deep reds to purples, mauves and pink. Hope you enjoy the video!



Lipsticks mentioned in order of video:

Haul | Collective September Beauty Buys

Hello my loves,

I'm sharing my collective September haul with you all. All beauty related products that I purchased from either Rite Aid or Target. This month I was focused on lip products, makeup removers and primers. Hopefully you all enjoy this post and share all of your beauty buys this month.



For a list of the products I purchased just check below:

Tutorial | Enchanted Evening

Hello my lovelies,

I know I normally post three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but due to the news I've shared with you all (click here to find out), I find that posting twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays is better for me and allows me to really get some ideas in order, post in tact and good content to you all or at least I think so.

Lately, I've been going through my makeup collection and I noticed that I have a lot of Lancome palettes that I have never used and I really want to start getting use out of them since I got them. Why waste makeup? The first palette I pulled out to try is a Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad called Enchanted Evening, hence the tutorial title. Corny, but I currently have pregnancy brain unfortunately...blah.

These quads cost $43 USD at your nearest Lancome counter. I'm not sure if they have changed the name of this palette, it's discontinued or if it was limited edition because I cannot find it on their website. You can see the other quads here on the site. I got most of my palettes when I freelanced for Lancome last year.

The palette is simply amazing. It contains four shades that either have a sheen or shimmer finish to them. There is a gorgeous vanilla shade that can be applied to the brow bone and inner tear duct for a hint of light. There is a gorgeous shimmery coral-cream shade, which I applied on two thirds of my lids. It looks absolutely stunning when the light reflects off of it. There is a brown with gold reflects that is more of sheen finish and it looks stunning as a transition color or as an outer v color. The last shade is a dark brown with a bit golden-coral reflects in that sort of look green in light. This is great for smoking out your looking for a more evening time event or just giving it more depth.

image c/o Beautylish

This look can be worn during the day or night depending on how you want to rock the look. You can smoke it out more or lighten it up if need be. I paired this look with neutral lip and cheeks, but of course for that pop of color you can go with a red, oxblood, pink or orange on the lips and possibly a burgundy, rose or coral on the cheeks. It all depends on your style of makeup, what you're wearing, how you're feeling and of course the location or event that you're going to.

Check out the tutorial below to see me create this look or skip ahead to the products used.

If you're interested in seeing the products I used in detail just check out the list below.

Great News | Engaged and other news...

Hi my loves,

Just wanted to share a few things with you all that would explain my absence on my blog.

My engagement rings.

Check out the video for more info.



To stay up to date on engagement news, wedding plans and my pregnancy go subscribe to my vlog channel...Secret Life of Nay.

If you have any questions or comments leave them down below and I'll answer when I can.

Thanks for watching! 

High End Lipstick Collection & Swatches

Hello my lovelies!

I have a total of 153 lipsticks in my collection which is insane, but as I said in my first collection I wanted to still share them all with you, so I'm breaking each down by brand. I've already done my Revlon and Maybelline lipsticks which the links can be found towards the end of this post. Of those 153 lipsticks, these are the few that are not drugstore. 

This is the third edition to my lipstick collection and it includes all of my high end lipsticks, including mostly Lancome with a few OCC Lip Tars and MAC lipsticks. I don't have a huge collection of high end lipsticks as I do enjoy my drugstore lippies just fine.

*there are no picture swatches as I have swatched every lipstick in the video*

During the entire video I used my Maybelline Baby Lips in Peppermint to keep my lips moisturized between lipsticks.

Names of each lipstick as shown in the video:

First Impressions | Gariner BB Cream

Today's post is a first impressions on the Garnier BB Cream (original formula) in shade Medium/Deep. I've had the combination/oily formula since the beginning of the year, but I absolutely hate it. I wanted to try out the original formual because I heard it was creamier and more moisturizing which is what I like. I wore this BB Cream in total for 9 hours and all I can say is how impressed I am with it.

Before I go into details I want to give my thoughts on why I didn't like the combination/oily formula:

• extremely runny
• too dark
• too much orange
• oily
• stays tacky on my skin

So as you can see, I was highly disappointed with it and didn't plan on trying the original forumal at all, but glad I did!

Now that I have settled that, check out the video and/or continuing reading for pictures and more thoughts.

Now I'm going to explain how the application went and how it wore throughout the day as well, so if you didn't want to watch the video, hopefully this post will help further.

APPLICATION:

Skincare Regimen

Hi my loves,

I wanted to share my updated skincare regimen/ routine because a lot has changed. I have kept a secret from you all for quite sometime and I feel like now is the time to share my secret with you all. It is good news, not bad! I do have a seperate blog explaining my secret with you all which can check out here, but if you decide not to check out that blog I can tell you in short my secret...

I am pregnant and have been for the past 17 weeks. I kept it a secret because I wanted to ensure the baby's health as well as mine. Everything is going well for the both of us nonetheless. Also I am engaged (happend July 7th) to be married in 2016, so if you've been wondering where I have been since I haven't been keeping up with the blog as much those are my reasons why.

Back to the point of this post though...my skin has been on the fritz due to my hormones and the changes, so I had to remove some products from my regimen and add new ones. Quick detail on my skin type and the changes that have happened to my skin for your understanding.

Skin Type
- Normal
- Semi-sensitive
- Not prone to breakouts

The Changes
- slight dry patches that come and go
- larger pores
- breakouts on cheek, chin and forhead every now and then

Now that I have explained my skin type and the new changes that have occured, let's move on to my regimen:



Below I have listed all the products that I use for both morning and night when it comes to cleansing my face.

MORNING:

Tutorial | High End Brown & Black Smoky Eye

Hope you are all having a blessed morning! I know I am. I want to take a few minutes to say Happy First Day of school to any of my readers starting school for the first time today. I hope you enjoy your school year and have a blast!

Today I wanted to share a tutorial with you all that I created using mostly high end eye products. I wanted to start playing around in my high end makeup a bit and figured why not do a brown and black smoky eye. I did use lashes for this look and I must say, even though I'm not a fan of lashes -- they really complete this look.



List of products are below...

First Impressions: L'Oreal and Maybelline

Hello my loves!

Today I'll be doing a three-way first impressions post on two L'Oreal products and a Maybelline product. I have been doing a ton of beauty shopping and barely any hauls, but I did want to start jumping in to doing some first impressions posts and videos. Lately I've been on a primer and foundation kick so I purchased a ton of foundations and priners, drugstore of course, that I've had my eyes on for a long time. Hopefully you all enjoy these posts and get some helpful info from it as well.

This first impressions post is on L'Oreal RevitaLift Miracle Blur, L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation and Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer. Decided to try out these products first since summer is almost at it's end. I do have a video below showing my thoughts as I applied each product for your viewing.

**Just as a quick sidenote: I'd like to also mention my skin type. I have normal semi-sensitive skin. It gets slightly oily in the summer and slightly drier in the winter. I am pregnant so I have noticed that my skin sucks up moisture really fast, feels a bit more dry at times and that my pores are larger and a bit more noticeable. Overall my skin is noramal and semi-sensitive.**

Just for your noting the products I used are:
- Freeman Feeling Beautiful Facial Moisturizing Cleanser in Kiwi & Yogurt
- Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner
- Vaseline Total Moisture Aloe Fresh Light Feeling Lotion
- Avon Elements Moisture Boost Eye Cream
- Blistex Lip Medex
- L'Oreal RevitaLift Miracle Blur
- L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation in W6
- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Honey

Now on to my first impressions and final thoughts...

August '13 Monthly Favorites

Hi, Hi, Hiiiiii everyone!

Today I wanted to my first monthly favorites for you all. I've never done an actual video of my favorites and I opted to start doing them bi-monthly for you all. I think sharing my favorites will help not only myself,  but others that are looking for great products to try out and use.

I personally love watching favorites videos because it gives me a running list of products I'd like to try, what certain colors look like if the person swatches them and an idea of what's great for certain seasons. Hopefully you will find this helpful in any way, shape or form.



Below I have written down all the products that were mentioned in the video, in the order they were shown, in case you need to see the name of any product or color.

Haul | Collective August Beauty Buys

Hi my lovely people!

Today I wanted to share a few things that I purchased over the weekend at my favorite place ... TARGET! I feel like Target is the best place to shop for drugstore beauty products because they contain a range of shades, colors and products to pick from. More than your local Walgreens, Rite Aid or CVS. I've been on a foundation kick lately, wanting to give a few foundations a try since they have been on my wishlist for a while. I did get majority of the foundations I wanted, I just need to get my hands on two more (Rimmel London Wake Me Up and Revlon Nearly Naked in my actual shade). I did however get a few lippies as well because I'm lipstick junkie and lipgloss lover.

I'm not going to drag this post so long, so I'm just going to jump right in with it.

Just so you know, the lighting is terrible,  in my opinion,  so I may retake the pictures.

• Rimmel London Fix & Perfect Pro Primer #002. I purchased a back up because I absolutely love this primer. I still want the L'oreal and Revlon primers, but this one does me some justice. This is the white one that applies clear, not the peach colored primer.
• L'Oreal RevitaLift Miracle Blur. Was interested in since it's similar to the Benefit Porefessional Primer and since I'm a primer high I just needed to have it.
• Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam in 310-Honey Beige. Love how this gives me a flawless finish. It is a tad bit orange, but it does make my skin look amazing and I find that I don't need concealer with it.
• L'Oreal True Match Lumi in W6-Sun Beige. Perfect shade, just hope it doesn't oxidize to much on me.

Maybelline Lipstick Collection & Swatches

Hello my lovelies!

I've been wanting to share my ever growing lipstick collection with you all, but I have over 100 lipsticks, so I figured I do this by brand. The first brand was Revlon which was split into two videos because I have a ton of Revlon lipsticks. I've been asked via blogger and youtube to share my collection (complied of mostly drugstore with 4% high end lippies) and I said I would so here it is!

This is the second edition to my lipstick collection and it includes all of my Maybelline lipsticks, including the permnant Color Sensational line, The Jewels Collection (limited edition collection), The Vivids (both permnant and limited edition shades) and the Color Whispers as well.

*there are no picture swatches as I have swatched every lipstick in the video*

During the entire video I used my Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream Kiss to keep my lips moisturized between lipsticks.

Names of each lipstick as shown in the video:

Makeup Storage & Collection

Hello my loves,

Today I am showing you all my makeup storage and collection. It has taken me some time to actually do this post because my storage was not the best for a long time. I mean I was storing my makeup in two old train cases from Yazmo and Caboodles, before that in clear plastic tubes. It was bad -- but thanks to my local Bargain Hunters I got my hands on a awesome storage cabinet and plan to get a few more to store my professional makeup, hair products and possibly some shoes too...who knows.

I did record an actual video for my YouTube channel because this would end up being a post overloaded with pictures. In the video, I try to show all of my makeup as "detailed" as possible without making it an extremely long video...I personally don't like recording 20 minute videos, just way to long for my liking. I did buy a few piece to include in the cabinet to help the storage of products seem a bit more better and organized. All the trays were purchased for under $2 a piece and really give me a little more room to expand.

Revlon Lipstick Collection & Swatches - Part II

Hello my lovelies! I've been wanting to share my ever growing lipstick collection with you all, but I have over 100 lipsticks, so I figured I do this by brand. The first brand is Revlon and it has to be split into two videos because I have a ton of Revlon lipsticks. I've been asked via blogger and youtube to share my collection (complied of mostly drugstore with 4% high end lippies) and I said I would so here it is!

Part II of my Revlon Lipstick Collection contains my Lip Butters, newer Creme lipsticks and a few Shine and Pearl lipsticks as well. Check out Part I here.

*there are no picture swatches as I have swatched every lipstick in the video*

During the entire video I used my Maybelline Baby Lips in Fierce & Tangy to keep my lips moisturized between lipsticks.

Names of each lipstick as shown in the video:

Revlon Lipstick Collection & Swatches - Part I

Hello my lovelies! I've been wanting to share my ever growing lipstick collection with you all, but I have over 100 lipsticks, so I figured I do this by brand. The first brand is Revlon and it has to be split into two videos because I have a ton of Revlon lipsticks. I've been asked via blogger and youtube to share my collection (complied of mostly drugstore with 4% high end lippies) and I said I would so here it is!

Part I of my Revlon Lipstick Collection contains my only Revlon ColorBurst lipstick, Just Kissable Balm Stains, Matte lipsticks and majority of my Super Lustrous Creme lipsticks.

*there are no picture swatches as I have swatched every lipstick in the video*

During the entire video I used my Maybelline Baby Lips in Fierce & Tangy to keep my lips moisturized between lipsticks.

Names of each lipstick as shown in the video:

Tutorial | Summer Leaves Are Falling

Hi lovelies!

Today I am sharing with you all a tutorial I created yesterday for my YouTube channel. I wanted to create something surrounded by Inglot's Pearl eyeshadow in #407 because it is such a pretty peachy orange with gold shimmers in it. After much contemplating I realized that the color reminded me of summer and how the leaves turn orange in the fall -- such pretty colors.

In thinking about both summer and fall I incorporated some cranberry and browns in the crease and did a natural coral toned flush of blush with a nude lip. By all means, if you want to amp up the look with a bolder lip or cheek you can do so. I kept mines soft and natural because I wanted the main focus to be on the eyes! 

If you'd like to know the exact products I used for this look, then check out below!

FOTD | Inglot's Pinch of Peach

Hello lovelies! Today is yet another FOTD post from a look I created on Tuesday for a lipstick swatch video. I didn't record a tutorial on the look, but I did love how it came out so a FOTD was required. This look is similar to the last FOTD I created, but with a change of inner tear duct color and products of course.

This look is called Inglot's Pinch of Peach because I used all Inglot Eyeshadows for this look. My favorite part of this look is the lipstick color I'm wearing and how vibrant that peach looks because it has that pop of gold shimmer in it. I definitely plan to try using that color on my lids for a nice Fall and/or Thanksgiving tutorial sometime soon.

The main point of this FOTD is to show that you can rock the same eye look with different products and still have it look different by changing the shadow you place on the inner corner of your eyes and lips.

FOTD | Pink-A-Boo

Hello my lovelies! Today I'll be sharing a FOTD from last week that I created using mostly drugstore items. Lately I haven't been to happy in creating bright bold looks due to personal situations going on, but when I do apply makeup I normally tend to stick to a sort of natural look with a pop of color in the inner corner and bright lipstick of course. This is look that I find myself doing a lot because it's not only simple and quick to do, but it can be worn for and to any occasion or event.

I am calling this look Pink-A-Boo for the simple fact that not only do I have pink lips and cheeks, but the inner tearduct color looks like a mix of pink and purple. I think anyone of any age can wear this look because it's not overpowering and the lip can always be changed to fit your need or occasion.

I did create a tutorial for this look that you can see:


If this is something you'd like to try then continuing reading on to see all the items I used for this look...

Beauty Blogazons | Weekly Round Up - 8/9

• Beauty by Miss L: Miss L is loving Queen Helene Mint Julep Natural Facial Scrub which is mechanical scrub, but doesn't feel harsh on your skin.
• Mama Fashionista: Quinn shares a new way to use your facial exfoliating pads for beautiful, summer skin!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Love a gorgeous ethereal glow? Then Burberry Fresh Glow is a brilliant choice, and it is back in stock!
• TheFabZilla: Do you have The Face Shop where you live? TheFabZilla found one and was ecstatic with her haul.
• Fun Fierce Fabulous Beauty Over 50!: Fashion - Manolo Blahnik Florals are making a huge comeback.
• Glamorable!: Have you heard of Le Métier de Beauté? Anastasia reviewed some of their bestsellers and a brand new pre-release matte lipstick.
• MakeUpMom123: Beach Waver v. Instyler.
• Tres Beau Glamour: Nay has created a beautiful lip look using Mac's infamous Candy Yum Yum lipstick. Interested in seeing the ombre lip effect? Check it out!
• Daydreaming Beauty: Amber found the CC cream of her dreams with IT Cosmetics CC Cream. Full coverage, high spf, anti aging hydrating serum and snail secretions?!
• Midnight Manicures: Milani released two new nail lacquer collections this month. Jeanie show's you the Miliani Retro Glam Collection.
• Geniabeme: Gorgeous Cosmetics have great bright eyeshadows!
• ColorMeSoCrazy: Throwback Thursday with Maybelline and Funky Fingers.
• Carinae L'etoile's Polish Stash: Cirque Lullaby is beautiful subtle pastel glitter explosion!
• Betzy's Makeup A Beauty Blog: My recent experience at the new exhibits in Buena Park, if you like the Titanic they are a must.
• The Passenger Element: Maybelline ColorSensational Lipgloss in Iced Chocolate (swatch).
• Peace Love and Glitter: A CC creme with FIVE sources of vitamin C! Hello collagen!

Check out these lovely ladies and their amazing posts. I know I will!

What are some of your favorite posts from beauty bloggers?

List of Lusts #1

Hi my loves! I'm doing something new every other friday which is going to be called my List of Lusts. It's just me sharing a few products -- whether beauty, fashion, tech related -- that I am dying to have for myself. A few I've tried and want again. A few are in my pro kit and I want for myself. These are just my picks so far that are on my list of lusts!

created using my Polyvore account.

+ Naked 1 & 2. I own the Naked and Naked Basics for my pro kit, but I want the Naked and Naked 2 for personal use.
+ YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in #7 - Lingerie Pink. Been dying to have for years...it is such a pretty pink color!
+ Essie in Mint Candy Apple. Still can't seem to find this bad boy anywhere! I need this in my life out of any other Essie polish.
+ China Glaze in For Audrey. Wanted for a long time, but didn't think it would look nice, but after trying a gorgeous Tiffany Blue like color from Sinful Colors I definitely know that I want this polish now.
+ YSL Roughe Volupte in #17 - Peach Passion. Gorgeous color is all I can truly say about this.
+ LUSH Bath Bombs. I love the way they smell. I can't wait til my family and I move -- I plan to pamper myself with a ton of these babies.
+ Mac Lipstick in Vegas Volt. Been wanting for a while. I love that it's a combination of coral and orange.
+ Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara. Not sure if they even still make this, but I had a few samples. I absolutely love this mascara. It does everything for me -- lenghtening, define and separate. If apply a few coats I even get volume out of it. My lashes love it!
+ Windows 8 Laptop or Tablet. My old Acer had Windows 7 and it has run its course after 3 or 4 years of being used. I need something new cause I hate using my mom's Mac desktop and my brothers Mac laptop. I'm a Windows kind of girl!
+ Samsung Galaxy S4 32 or 64GB. Was going to get the S3, but why not the S4 right?! Lol.

What are some of your lust products?

Lip Cocktail | Candy Yum Yum Ombre

Hey lovelies,

Today is for those in love with pink lipsticks, a bold lip or an ombré lip. I have finally got my hands on the infamous Mac Candy Yum Yum. Personally, I have several dupes (coming soon) for this lipstick, but I do see what the "hype" is. I love how bold and creamy it feels on my lips and its amazing longevity. Most people complained about the matte lipsticks from Mac, but I think this is a very moisturizing on my lips, especially when my lips are properly moisturized.

I wanted to play around with Candy Yum Yum and really see what looks I could create. I am very fond of pink and purple lips so I wanted to combine a look with the two colors. I personally love how the purple liner helps Candy Yum Yum pop and the lavender in the center really adds to it and gives it that pouty lip look...fierceless!